Study of clothing of the assailant to the painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’ 1866 - 1867

This is Jozef Simmler's Study of clothing of the assailant to the painting ‘Martyrdom of St. Matthias’. The artist uses a pencil to capture the folds and drapes of fabric, resulting in an image that is both detailed and ethereal. The composition focuses on the figure's torso and upper legs, where the clothing gathers and cascades. Simmler's interest lies in the interplay of light and shadow across the material. Notice how the pencil strokes vary in density, creating depth and volume. The draping fabric almost seems to possess a life of its own. Rather than simply representing clothing, the artist explores how fabric can express movement, emotion and even a sense of drama. The formal treatment of the clothing invites viewers to think about how materials, and their representation in art, can carry layers of meaning and aesthetic value. This study emphasizes the artistic possibilities inherent in rendering texture and form, highlighting the symbolic potential of clothing within the narrative.